President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of people who were convicted of simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in Washington, D.C. – expanding a pot pardon from last year as he commutes the sentences of 11 inmates serving time for drug offenses.

The White House released the clemencies on Friday morning, shortly before revealing the identities of the 11 individuals.

The list includes people convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine base, and distribution of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school. Some of them were serving life sentences, including a Georgia man convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess cocaine as well as cocaine possession. 

A Kansas City man convicted of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams of cocaine will have his sentence commuted to 25 years.

His Friday actions follow on a 2022 order that pardoned thousands of people for simple possession of marijuana under federal law. 

'America was founded on the principle of equal justice under law. Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree that our criminal justice system can and should reflect this core value that makes our communities safer and stronger,' Biden said. 

'That is why today I am announcing additional steps I am taking to make the promise of equal justice a reality. 

His new order extends the pardon for simple possession on certain federal lands and in the District of Columbia.

He said it was to target people 'who may continue to experience the unnecessary collateral consequences of a conviction for simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana.'